Patricia Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman Ulster County lawmakers on October 19, adopted policies they believe will provide much-needed care and services to those suffering from mental health and substance abuses crises. Legislators voted 21 to 2 to adopt a policy requiring the county to create a 24-hour crisis stabilization center to provide an alternative to local hospital emergency rooms for those experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises. The resolution also calls on County Executive Pat Ryan to begin the procurement process to secure the services that will be available at the facility. Minority Leader Ken Ronk and Legislator Kevin Roberts voted against the resolution. Ronk said he wants the county to choose a site for the facility first. In a separate matter, lawmakers unanimously adopted a rule requiring the creation of respite houses throughout the county, designed to provide inpatient services for those in need. The creation of a stabilization center and respite houses were among the recommendations included in reports issued by the Ulster County Behavioral Health Task Force created by County Executive Pat Ryan and the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Reform Task Force. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.